SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and Boston University (BU) have announced the creation of the SPIE-Boston University Scholarship in Photonics. Revealed during SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco, this initiative will provide significant financial support to graduate and postgraduate students conducting advanced research in photonics at the Boston University Photonics Center.
As part of the SPIE Endowment Matching Programme, SPIE has contributed $500,000, which will be matched in full by BU, bringing the total endowment to $1 million. The scholarships will be awarded annually, supporting up to two graduate students or one postdoctoral researcher. The funds will cover essential costs, including stipends, health benefits, and travel expenses for recipients to present their research at SPIE conferences.
Strengthening Photonics Research and Education
This endowment reflects SPIE’s ongoing mission to expand global education and research opportunities in optics and photonics. By enhancing educational capacity, funding critical research, and fostering talent development, SPIE continues to play a key role in advancing the field. This initiative is the 12th major SPIE endowment to an academic institution, reinforcing the Society’s long-standing commitment to supporting the next generation of photonics experts.
Dr Thomas Bifano, Director of the Photonics Center and Vice President and Associate Provost ad interim for Research at BU, underscored the importance of the collaboration. We deeply appreciate SPIE’s generosity and dedication to fostering progress in optics and photonics research. The Boston University Photonics Center has maintained a productive partnership with SPIE for many years, including through event sponsorship and our SPIE student chapter. Establishing this endowed scholarship fund strengthens our mutual dedication to training and supporting future leaders in photonics.
SPIE CEO Kent Rochford highlighted the long-term benefits of the scholarship. “The SPIE-Boston University Scholarship in Photonics will help drive future advancements in photonics by supporting outstanding students and emerging industry leaders,” he stated. “Investing in education ensures that photonics research continues to thrive, bringing new discoveries and innovations. We are delighted to collaborate with Boston University on this initiative.”
Expanding Global Access to Photonics Education
The SPIE Endowment Matching Programme, established in 2019, was designed to strengthen international teaching and research in optics and photonics. Since its inception, SPIE has provided more than $4.5 million in matching contributions, leading to over $12 million in dedicated funds for academic institutions worldwide.
The programme provides essential financial support to colleges, universities, and institutes offering degrees in optics and photonics, or related disciplines aligned with SPIE’s mission. Institutions may apply for up to $500,000 in matching funds per award. The next round of funding applications is now open, with submissions due by 30 April.
By launching this endowment at BU, SPIE continues to build a solid foundation for the future of photonics, ensuring that the brightest minds in the field have access to the resources, training, and funding they need to advance knowledge, drive technological breakthroughs, and shape the future of photonics research and industry.